With the presence of an important Chinese community, the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong, China maintains many traditional Chinese festivals and customs.

The Hong Kong Post has dedicated a new series of stamps designed by Arde Lam (four single stamps + 1 souvenir sheet), issued on May 22, 2012, to this rich cultural heritage, through five major Festivals in particular.

I was very lucky to receive this beautiful series on the first registered letter below (posted the first day of issue) as well as the souvenir sheet on the official FDC below. Thank you very much Kun :-)

As a reminder, the Hong Kong Post does not allow the use of FDC postmarks on the letters sent by registered mail...

Tin Hau Festival ($ 1.40 stamp), in honor of the Goddess of the Sea, protector of sailors and fishermen, falls on the 23rd day of the third lunar month. Boats parades of boats and lion dance performances are held in various districts of Hong Kong. A statue of Tin Hau is featured on that stamp with a fishing boat taking part in these parades.

Kwun Yum Festival ($ 2.40) falls on the 19th day of the second lunar month. On that day, worshippers bring longevity noodles, peach-shaped buns in offering in the temples. A majestic statue of Kwun Yum is depicted on that stamp with a decorative plaque in her honor.

The Birthday of the Buddha ($ 3), commemorating the birth of Sakyamuni, the historical Buddha, takes place on the 8th day of the fourth lunar month. Ceremonial bathing of Buddha are then organized in temples. Worshippers sprinkle scented flowers and purified water on the statue of Buddha statue to cleanse their souls. A statue of Buddha, used during these bathing ceremonies, appears on that stamp as well as the Tian Tan Buddha located next to the Po Lin Monastery.

Tuen Ng Festival ($ 5) falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month to pay tribute to Qu Yuan, a virtuous official of the Chu State (800 to 200 BC) who drowned himself in the Mi Lo River in sacrifice for the emperor. Every year, dragon boat races are held in several coastal areas of Hong Kong. These races have now become a major international sporting event.

This is thus the colorful souvenir sheet ($ 5 stamp) that appears this time on the nice FDC above. The names of the five Festivals in the spotlight in this series are listed in the central margin with, to the right, an ornate lantern used during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

This Mid-Autumn Festival (also known as the Moon Festival) takes place on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month when the moon is at its brightest, to celebrate good harvests. Families are then gathering in the shower of moonlight, enjoying fruits and mooncakes, a moon-shaped Chinese pastry, often including auspicious sinograms. A traditional starfuit-shaped lantern as well as mooncakes are featured on the stamp of this miniature sheet.